Encore Theatre's production of Mamma Mia has broken theatre attendance records for the company and the Princess Theatre since it opened on October 22.
The production was rescheduled to the new dates after being postponed twice due to the pandemic.
Encore co-founder Belinda King said the initial surge in ticket sales when the production was rescheduled was "enormous".
"I don't think we will ever see another day like it at local theatre," she said.
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Close to 20 per cent of the Mamma Mia season was booked within 72 hours and ticket sales have only grown since then, with Ms King sure it had set a new record for local production.
"The attendance numbers have been extraordinary with the house full sign going up on the Sunday performance on our first weekend, and now the house full sign is going to get a serious workout for the remainder of the season," Ms King said.
"At the moment, our attendance for the season exceeds 12,300 patrons and it's rising."
To put that into perspective, Encore's production of Phantom of the Opera in 2014 hit 10,022 patrons, which was only topped by Strictly Ballroom in 2019 with 10,099 theatre-goers.
"Given the current demand [for Mamma Mia] we will run out of tickets," Ms King said.
In March, Encore sent out a survey to those signed up to the company's email and social media to gauge how interested audiences were in returning to the theatre after the pandemic - when venues were restored to 100 per cent capacity.
The survey had more than 600 respondents and 95 per cent replied that they were ready to immediately return to the theatre, with 90 per cent wanting to see Mamma Mia in particular.
"We are incredibly grateful for the community support across what has been a more than two-year journey to get the show onto the stage and, in particular, this time around the support is only stronger to see live theatre once again," Ms King said.
Mamma Mia director Danny Gibson said seeing the show performed to an audience after two years was a "moment to treasure".
"We have been embraced by Northern Tasmania. We are loving the love we are receiving. We feel so proud," he said.
"It's been a record for Encore, even to date, for the number of people we will seat."
Gibson said he was proud of all the hours and spirit those involved in the project had contributed and the show would be one of life's greatest moments for him.
"I can't wait to celebrate and enjoy this final week and a half," he said.
To get tickets to Mamma Mia visit the Theatre North website.
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Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
